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2 8 6 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I The dining options at the hotel are also amongst the best to be found in Barcelona. Food lovers looking for a culinary treat should try BistrEau. Chef Ángel León’s offers gastronomic immersion in the ocean with his Chef of the Sea experience – a tasting menu featuring some of Chef Leon’s most innovative maritime creations. Savour the taste of plankton risotto, Iberian fish, marine cheeses and scallops bourguignonne. In the multi- Michelin starred Moments restaurant Lebanese Chef Ali offers the finest Middle Eastern cuisine and is also available to prepare private banquets in guest suites. Mimosa Gardens, the Terrace and the Banker Bar in the hotel shouldn’t be missed and the huge subterranean Spa offers a wide range of holistic rejuvenation in a peaceful, meditative setting. The guests here are from all over the world, which reflects the Mandarin Oriental’s strong international brand loyalty. Alberto Jiménez Novo, Middle East Sales Manager at the property says, “Here at the Mandarin Oriental we embrace every culture, and with subtle details we want them to feel at home away from home. Being the only Halal certified hotel in Barcelona with our amazing Lebanese Chef Ali, really makes a difference. Guests very often tell me that the quality of the Lebanese food we offer in the hotel is difficult to find even back home.” Across town in the charming Gothic quarter of the Barcelona, where the narrow streets and ancient façades give a glimpse into the past, the Mercer Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore. A 15th Century building, with some 2nd Century walls still in tact, this classy hotel manages to deftly combine historical charm with contemporary comforts and styling. The rooms are all of a generous proportion and modern touches such as a complimentary mini-bar are well pitched. Two cocktail bars, one on the sunlit terrace and the other adjacent to the fine dining restaurant, are great meeting points and ideal for unwinding. The breakfast at the Mercer should be an institution – they are exceptional, as is the informal and fun Bistrot Le Bouchon – be sure to try a range of tapas here.